Veterans & Armed Forces Archives - Page 5 of 69

Ensuring our National Security and Standing up for our Veterans

After nearly two decades of war and with foreign powers attempting to interfere in our elections and political processes, America must be both tough and smart to ensure our national security. To best secure our national interests and protect the American people (and our allies) it is vitally important that we ensure our armed forces remain the best-trained, best-prepared and best-equipped in the world.

A strong military, however, is not just a national interest—it’s also a regional one. The Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad-Cities, the Air National Guard base outside Peoria and major aerospace companies in Rockford employ many thousands across our district. That’s why I have prioritized supporting these installations and our local defense industrial base. I helped establish the Center of Excellence for Additive and Advanced Manufacturing at the Rock Island Arsenal, fought to secure $9 million for a new firehouse for the Peoria Air National Guard Base, and through my role on the powerful Appropriations Committee, I helped direct millions of dollars to the Seventeenth Congressional District to strengthen our military and our region.

But, as we provide our troops with everything they need to get the job done, we must also keep our promise to those who have bravely served our nation and sacrificed on our behalf. Our veterans have earned the right to the best care and support possible as they return from battlefields overseas. This is why I support providing returning servicemembers with job training, college opportunities and financial planning to help those transitioning back into our communities and the workforce. I also support fully funding veterans’ health care benefits and ensuring that all veterans—regardless of zip code—have the ability to travel to their appointments and receive their care without lengthy wait times. 

I am also working to make sure the Veterans Administration system is easy to navigate and provides veterans with the needed benefits they earned and deserve. I have made it a priority to hold the VA accountable to make sure they are leaving no veterans behind. That’s why I helped pass the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act to extend the presumption of Agent Orange exposure and pushed the Administration to expeditiously begin processing veteran claims.

If you are a veteran seeking help navigating your benefits or dealing with any federal agency, I can help. Please do not hesitate to contact my office.

More on Veterans & Armed Forces

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November 1, 2021

REMINDER: Bustos Accepting Applications for Military Academy Nominations

The deadline for submissions is Friday, November 5th, 2021 MOLINE — Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) is accepting applications from high school students for nominations to the United States Service Academies for the class entering in the fall of 2022. The deadline for submitting a completed nomination packet to Congresswoman Bustos’ office is Friday, November 5, […]

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October 25, 2021

Bustos Statement in Support of Legislation Honoring Service Members Killed in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement in support of legislation to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the emergency evacuation of citizens of the United States and vulnerable Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International […]

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October 20, 2021

Bustos Bill to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses Receives Congressional Hearing

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to recognize the service of Cadet Nurses. The Cadet Nurse program was established during World War II to address nursing shortages. Despite their selfless service, Cadet Nurses have […]

Press Release

October 8, 2021

Bustos Joins Congressional Delegation Trip to Naval Station Everett, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor

SEATTLE — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) concluded a three-day Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visit to Naval Station Everett, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor with colleagues from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “It was such an honor to visit our dedicated Sailors at Naval Station Everett, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard […]